Long before the MCU ruled the box office… before Iron Man put on the suit or Spider-Man swung across the screen… there was a man with a typewriter, a dream, and an unstoppable imagination. That man was Stan Lee.
Stan Lee didn’t just help create Marvel — in many ways, he was Marvel. And behind every superhero he gave us was something deeply human… a piece of himself.
Why Did Stan Lee Create Marvel?
Back in the early 1960s, comics were considered light entertainment — fun, but not taken seriously. Stan Lee, who had been working in the industry for years at Timely Comics (which eventually became Marvel), was growing tired of writing what he called “fluff.” He was even thinking of quitting the business altogether.
But his wife, Joan Lee, gave him life-changing advice:
“Why not write one the way you want to write it? If you’re going to quit anyway, at least go out on your terms.”
That’s when everything changed.
Inspired by the rise of DC’s Justice League, Stan created The Fantastic Four with artist Jack Kirby. Unlike other superheroes at the time, they fought with each other, had personal problems, and felt real. It was a hit and it opened the door to a whole new kind of storytelling.
From there came Spider-Man, The X-Men, Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, and countless others. Each one had powers, yes — but more importantly, they had flaws, doubts, fears, and heart.
What Made Stan So Passionate?
Stan Lee believed that superheroes could do more than entertain — they could inspire. He saw comics as a mirror to the world: a way to talk about racism (X-Men), war and responsibility (Iron Man), inner anger (Hulk), and the struggle to fit in (Spider-Man).
He wanted kids and adults to see that no matter what made them different, they still mattered. They could be heroes too.
Who Was Stan Lee’s Favorite Character?
While he loved all his creations like his own children, Stan often said Spider-Man was his favorite.
Why? Because Peter Parker was just a kid. He wasn’t a billionaire or a god — he was an awkward teenager dealing with loss, responsibility, school, bullies, and love. Stan said Spider-Man showed that anyone — no matter how small they feel — could do great things.
Why Is Stan Lee’s Legacy So Important?
Stan Lee didn’t just give us stories, he gave us a universe. One where misfits, underdogs, and outsiders had a place to belong. One where the battle between good and evil was fought not just with powers, but with choices. One where with great power comes great responsibility wasn’t just a line, it was a life lesson.
His cameos in Marvel movies reminded us that he was always there, watching over the world he helped create. And now, even though he’s gone, his impact is bigger than ever.
Stan Lee believed in heroes. And because of him, millions of people around the world started believing in themselves.
“Excelsior!”
That was Stan’s favorite word. It means “ever upward.” And that’s exactly what he did — he lifted up comics, heroes, and all of us.
Thank you, Stan. You weren’t just the man behind Marvel…
You were the hero behind our heroes.
Sincerely, Joseph Padilla
